Home Garden and Landscape

Grow your gardening and landscape skills

We provide research-based and regional-specific information for backyard gardeners, insect enthusiasts, and plant lovers of all types.

Mornings at The DIG

2022 Summer Gardening Series, Saturdays at 9 am, Klindt Dr. & Steelhead Way in the Port District of The Dalles. These events are free and open to the public.

June 4, 2022 Irrigation Techniques for the Home Garden

June 11, 2022 Mason Jar Succulents for Kids

June 18, 2022 The Worm Lady

June 25, 2022 Fresh, Sweet Cherries Tasting

July 2, 2022 No Program

July 9, 2022 Oregon Bee Project

July 16, 2022 Explore the Herb Garden

Around the Garden Zoom Series

Throughout this series we will learn about basic gardening practices. If you are a new gardener and want a little help getting started, we invite you to attend any or all of this free series. Pre-registration is required for each class below. Participants will receive a link via email to join.

Beginner Gardening
May 3, 2021 at 5:30 pm
Recorded Presentation
Slides pdf

Raised Bed Gardening
May 10, 2021 at 5:30 pm
Recorded Presentation
Slides pdf

Container Gardening
May 17, 2021 @ 5:30 pm
Recorded Presentation
Slides pdf

Growing Herbs
May 24, 2021 @ 5:30 pm
Recorded Presentation
Slides pdf

Garden Pollinators
May 31, 2021 @ 5:30 pm
Register Here

Where can I find resources and help?

Local OSU staff and trained OSU Master Gardener volunteers provide education in many ways:

Ask us questions: You may submit questions online ([email protected]), call & leave a message (541-296-1217), or visit our office by appointment. We will assist you in answering your gardening and lawn questions, including identifying your weed, disease, and insect problems and suggest research-based management for these issues.
Events: Attend a workshop or class.
Educational resources: Publications, books, and guides.

See below to learn more.

Photo: A. Detweiler (Cropped from original)

Local Gardening Resources

Water-wise Gardening in Central Oregon

You can have a colorful and beautiful landscape while conserving water and saving time, energy and money. Learn innovative conservation techniques for water-wise gardening, or xeriscaping, in central Oregon. Full plant lists give you...

Amy Jo Detweiler | Jun 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Deer-resistant plants for Central Oregon

Below is a list of plants that tend to be more deer-resistant.

Amy Jo Detweiler, Paul MacMillan | May 2012 | Article

Central Oregon Vegetable Gardening

A collection of articles for growing vegetables in Central Oregon. Include general information, recommendations, soil temperatures, rhubarb, potatoes, cucumbers, beets, carrots, radishes, onions, tomatoes and tomatillos.

Jul 2018 | Collection

Recommended Vegetables for Central Oregon: Vegetable varieties and melons recommended by Oregon State University for 2011 are adapted to local growing conditions to produce the best yields in home gardens.
Common Insects Found in Central Oregon: A collection of some of the common insects found in central Oregon.

Monthly Garden Calendars

Are you wondering what to do in your garden this month? The OSU Extension garden calendar contains timely monthly garden tips including information about garden planning, maintenance and clean up, pest monitoring and management, houseplants, and indoor gardening.

Monthly Garden Calendars

Produced by OSU Extension, each month provides reminders of key garden chores, such as fertilizing, pest control, planting, and maintenance.

May 2018 | Collection

Wasco County Master Gardeners

Do you love gardening, want to advance your skills, and volunteer your time to help others learn? We provide Master Gardeners with tools to become better gardeners:

Research-based gardening techniques: Learn the art and science of growing and caring for plants using sustainable gardening practices. Our techniques are based on research by Oregon State University and other land-grant universities.
Grow your community: Meet beginner and expert gardeners in your community.
Learn by teaching: Provide gardening education in your community.
Gain confidence in your skills: We see Master Gardeners become more confident, outgoing, and aware of the need for their gardening knowledge.

Learn More

Get your questions answered

Gardening help and resources

Master Gardeners are trained by OSU faculty in proper plant care. They can help diagnose plant and garden problems, and give you research-based recommendations on how to solve them.

Wasco County Master Gardeners